Vered's Blog

Feeling Good in 2011

2011-01-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Feeling Good in 2011
We all want to feel good right?
& we all feel amazing after any form of exercise,
and I notice from what most people say time is a challenge....
what most don't realize is that even 20 minutes a day of focused exercise can make a huge difference in your health and the way you feel....
may I suggest that our health is one of THE most important things in our lives....
and we still say I have no time 4 it....
hmmmm I really want everyone 2 know how amazing their bodies r and how moving in every way can make you feel sooo happy...
but u will never know till u begin exploring all u can do with it.....
so here's a little fun exercise u can all do:

Take out a piece of paper and write down all the ways ur body can potentially move...
HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!! (if u have children do it with them)
Write it all down... headstands, headstands, summersaults, climbing jumping, crawling, dancing, hip hopping, kicking, running, slow, fast, sharp, flowing, graceful, awkward, robotic, climbing, booty shaking, punching, stretching....well u get the idea right?
So now every week choose one of those things 2 try for 15 minutes...
You will feel so much joy and happiness and the things u never ever thought u would never do with your body will become reality!!!!! Wooooooooooop!!!!!!
Love that body of your & explore!!!
Much Love,
V

Extraordinary Women!

2010-10-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you had a year (or less) to live?

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Shannon Skinner! Her credits include authoring books such as The Whispering Heart, Your Inner Guide to Creativity, as well as writing for film. She has also coached countless clients in Public Relations.
But what struck me most is that Shannon is an authentic, heart warming, and stunning woman!

After our fantastic time on her show "Extraordinary Women", where we chatted about feminine energy, how to love being a woman, erotic dancing, and other forms of fitness fun, we went for a coffee. I was awestruck by what she then told me.

I asked Shannon how long she had been in broadcasting. Her reply? A little over a month! Whaaaaaaat??? Wow, I had no idea! She was a total pro, and her energy was so welcoming and warm in the studio!

So of course I wanted to know how it all started… She explained that a few months ago a close friend of hers sadly confessed to her that he had a year to live!

We were sitting at Starbucks, and of course my eyes instantly welled up with tears…
She then went on to tell me that besides being so saddened by the news, her mind was sucked into a whirlwind of,

"Oh My God, what would I do if I had a one year to live?"

Now, we all may have asked ourselves that question at one time or another, as a form of motivation, or a way to get us to move forward and take action. But when it’s a reality for someone close, someone you care for, it hits home, hard, and the emotions that are evoked affect you in a powerful way. At that point, she said to herself.

"Shannon, you have always wanted to have an empowering, inspiring show… Do it!"

Well, two to three weeks later, she did!!

This woman is an example of looking fear in the eyes and not skipping a beat!
I am so inspired by Shannon, and I cannot express how blessed I feel to have met her and shared those beautiful moments with her.

I know we will cross paths again soon… I feel it!

Thank you Shannon!
I couldn’t think of a better way to describe you than the title of your show.

"Extraordinary Women"

Much Love and endless fearless energy,
Vered

Zumba Master Class in Hawkesbury

2010-10-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic night it was!!!

As most of you know, teaching people how to love moving their bodies and dance is my greatest pleasure in life.

This weekend it was a triple pleasure. I was able to share the stage with two passionate teachers for an hour and a half long Master Zumba Class!

Amy Cooper and Jorge Mendez were brilliantly energetic and soooo much fun to teach with!

There is nothing better than doing what you love, and sharing it with a team is always sooooooo much better for me!

Love you guys
xoxo

A bit about Love

2010-09-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Today I am writing about what I want & cherish the most, Love.

We all want and ache for love so muuuuch it hurts!
Yet, most of us have no idea how to give and receive love.
Some of us have one side down to a science, yet the other side is totally off kilter.
But honestly, what examples did we have anyways?
Who taught us about love?

I was once in a relationship where I begged for someone's love!
Not literally, but with every action.
Hoping, one day I would be acknowledged and loved.
It never happened…
I know NOW it had little to do with me.
Except for my poor selection of a mate, hahahaha!!
I could have spun on my head and done friggin magic tricks and I wouldn't have been loved!
The problem was he never loved himself, never honoured himself, never looked at himself in the mirror and said, "Dam your f'n amazing!"
So how could he share those feelings with anyone else?

Because that's it! In the end that is really it, if your mate is not in the space of "LOVE",
you will never share the deep, rich, wonderful, enlightening sexy, scrumptious love you soooo ache for.

So now I am here, I am aware and grateful as to why I need to be in that relationship.
That daily, heart wrenching, not measuring up. And coming back for more! …arghhhh
I needed to show myself love, and love myself enough to want more and claim it!

People, ladies, we need to show ourselves enough love and step into who we really are and that person will show up.
The person who is a champion, the man/woman who wants to honour, cherish, devour, love you all over.
The person who feels great that his/her mate walks around feeling like a loved princess/prince!
So make your selection wisely, don't rush to be in love with someone else.
Fall in love with yourself first, so you can then really know how to love another….

New Puzzle

2010-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I have been reshaping the puzzle that is me. Have you ever done that?
Have you ever taken a couple (ok maybe more than a couple, hehehe), of steps back and revisited your life?
I mean really revisited. Flip it upside down kind of revisit!

Well, I have been doing that, and I have to say, as scary as it may have all seemed to me a few months ago, there is an exciting thrill to it now as it's happening.

A feeling of "I can create whatever I choose to!", wow... magic!

There is such freedom in choice and when we start making the choices that truly feel right in our hearts. Our spirit begins to soar.

I know we are all told to set goals, to see the end in one's mind, you can't get anywhere without a map...
all those things are partially true and definitely great advice, but I have to say going with the flow excites and intrigues me now, and I am exploring it...

So for now, I am going with the flow, and asking my heart along the way, "does this feel good?" if it beats loud and clear and smiles, I know that's a great big "YES!"

As I assemble all the pieces, I am not clear what the finished puzzle will look like. One thing I do know is it will always feel good from this point on....

Trusting in the unknown,
Vered

I Am Inspired!

2010-04-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

It is 3:40AM and I am writing... welcome back baby!

By the way, I also already showered and washed my hair! Lol!

Today I want to share with you the feelings of inspiration with which I have been filled.

From a young age, I have felt the calling to help change this world, in a big way.
I know I was born a peacemaker. I am driven by a desire to settle conflicts and create beautiful loving harmony.

I long to make this world a better place. And what's exciting is that the ideas that are flowing through me lately are totally in line with this longing.

Look out! I am jumping in, full force!

Committing to my purpose, and that which I believe in, is an incredibly inspiring feeling, and also, well… a bit scary!
I guess there is some fear in making dreams come true. Not the paralyzing kind, but the kind you feel just before you are about to jump off of a diving board for the first time. You know what I mean... you know how to swim, you are positive you won't drown, but there is still that kick of adrenaline pumping through your veins! Or like the mix of nervousness and excitement you feel when you go on a first date... that kind of scared!

You can always catch me at www.Dancerotek.com, my first home.
But as things start coming together, I will be sharing a few new sites with you. You can be sure it will all be in keeping with my purpose. Making this world a better place!!

Peace and Love,
Vered.

PS. I will be at the fabulous Ultimate Girls Getaway, the 23rd and 24th of April.
Then teaching a Dancerotek class at the Arthur Murray Quebec City the evening of the 24th.
Anyone up for a road trip?

Yay, I can write again!

2010-04-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I am feeling gratitude flowing out of every cell of my body and mind.
I am tingling....

Everyone has know some type of pain.
Knee pain, back pain, pain of giving birth, pain from a fall.
I have felt physical pain. I remember lying on the floor with my back seizing, ironically at work in a pain clinic!
so much pain I couldn't breath! You never really know it till you feel it...

What I have never known is deep emotional pain.
The kind you see in a movie, that brings you to tears. But you never really experience it because it's not you.
These past few months I have felt it. So now I know...

But that story is for another day, today I am feeling deep gratitude and it is that that I want to share with you all.

I was reminded tonight by the universe what beauty lies in our lives even when it seems like you are letting go of everything you love.

Let me tell you what my night was like...
I substituted for a friend teaching a Zumba class downtown.
Now, since I have moved to the suburbs, I have to say I can count on one hand the times I have been in town.
For those of you who don't live in Montreal, it is only a 25 minute drive away from any of the surrounding suburbs.
I was laughing at myself most of the way there, just thinking of how foreign, and I must admit, slightly scary it felt.
The students showed me so much love and appreciation, begging me to keep coming back.

Gratitude #1:
I am great at what I do and I looooooove it!

My close friend Patty came to my class and we later grabbed a bite to eat.
Like a good girlfriend does, she mostly sat there and listened as I poured out the truth.

Gratitude #2:
I am loved by my friends and they see me (I know you think that is a line from Avatar, but I have been using it forever!! lol).

Then I came home to receive an email from someone I don't know yet. She read one of my blogs and she was so inspired she wants to change her life.

Gratitude #3:
People deserve happiness and love. My writing can inspire change for the better. WOW!

Later I'm lying in bed posting stuff on Facebook, and the most mind blowing thing happens.
My very close friend Astrina asks me to accompany her to Korea to pick up her new child because her husband can't possibly make it.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaatt????!!!!

The love and overwhelming gratitude of this can't be put in point form.
I think this is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me in my life!
Being a part of such a unifying, loving experience is pure bliss for me!!!
I fell asleep thinking it was all a dream, till I awoke at 5am to a picture I received in my inbox. An angelic boy looking straight at me, and the caption read,
"I love you Thia Vered".

Before I went to sleep I told my brother yesterday about how I want to write again, but I have been feeling blocked.

He graciously reminded me in a short note of everything I believe, and I quote him,
"Life is heavy, pain is everywhere, but also the beautiful and the miraculous. Appreciate the beauty of every moment you experience, perfect or not.
The miracle of enjoying a great cup of coffee, and appreciating everything that had to happen to get you to that point."

I am on a new journey now and I am grateful for it.
I am grateful that I have found my power again, my love of self.
That I have the courage to want more love in my life and that I have the strength, support and belief to go out and get it!
Woooooooopppp!!!

Love & gratitude,
Vered.

This blog is dedicated to Lisa Lajoie my spiritual teacher and friend.
I love you from the deepest part of my soul!

Back to Blogs (back to reality...)

2010-04-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

I don't get what is going on....
Every person I meet is dissatisfied with their body.
To me that is really sad...

I wonder, where has all this dissatisfaction come from?
How have we managed to become such self loathing people?
People cutting, squeezing, lifting, adding, taking off... all with the hope of loving (or not hating) themselves!
Thinking that maybe one day, they will have a good life, if only they could change their appearance in one way or another.

Why have we bought into this limited way of thinking?
I have been both victim and culprit.
I have been judged and judged myself just as harshly.
When what I really needed was to be loved and show myself love.

Taking a bit of a blog break, see you all online!

2010-03-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

Taking a bit of a blog break, see you all online!

'Tis the Season

2009-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

As we start going into the holiday season I have started a new tradition this year with my team at Latitude Fitness & hopefully my friends will go for this too! Though I love giving & (especially hehehe) receiving gifts , the stories that are plastered all over the news about the empty food banks is heartbreaking. People who never needed to go to food banks are using them now. So this year I asked my staff to donate to our food drive. Personally another "thing" is not what my heart desires! One thing my heart dreams of is a time where people won't have to go without food & live on the streets...

So, as we are making our wish lists, maybe we can all consider a small contribution to any food bank in our own city.
But If you insist on buying a gift, check out inspirational places like omni-peace
& if you were thinking of getting me a car, pleeeeeeese DON"T!!

Much Love,
Vered.

Not Sure What To Call This

2009-11-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been thinking about me. How will I fulfill my dreams & live my life with the purpose I know I am meant to fulfill?

My dream is to inspire women around the world to live an empowered life. To love being a woman & to feel like a goddess every day!
I know... it's big!!!

When I look back at my childhood I remember both happiness & pain.

My mother was a stay at home mom with no other interests but to take care of us & the home. Today she is 67 years old & still has no other interests. Unfortunately, she did not have great friends or any siblings living here to say to her, "girlfriend, are you happy?" I remember her as bubbly, laughing, screaming & very naive. It's sad to say, today, she is no longer that woman.

I'm sharing this with you because most people may think, "oh yah, back then all women didn't know their worth, it's not like that anymore". But it is. Many women don't love who they are, they feel powerless, they don't know what they are really interested in & they often feel sad.

Yesterday, I met with a woman who came to my fitness centre looking for help. So she told me. She had a five year old daughter with her that she couldn't let go of. This woman was very nervous and had a few health issues about which she was seeking advice. What saddened & hit me the most was she believed she was powerless. That this was it! She couldn't heal her body & bring it back to balance. Some doctor gave her a list of things that she MAY have, & she bought into it. This woman was in her thirties and no different than my mom who had her first child at eighteen. She was unaware of her power & greatness as a woman.

My friends, it is up to us. Women who stand tall & proud to show that we love being women! That yes, we are emotional & loving & criers & screamers & talkers & shoppers & aware & wise & intuitive and we can bring all those wonderful things to the plate. In any role we choose to play. Whether it's mother, doctor, entrepreneur, peace maker, coach, teacher, artist, be proud to be a woman. It is the only role you were born with. It was meant to be!

I don't claim to have the answers to a perfect life. One thing I know for sure, is that we must begin with Loving Being a Woman.

Goddess Love,
Vered.

Completing my 16 week transformation

2009-08-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Completing my 16 week transformation

So now that I have completed my sixteen week transformation and lost 37 pounds, I can reflect on my journey.
I have to say that putting on all that weight when we first opened our fitness centre was something that I struggled with, emotionally more than anything.

And now as I coach people through their journeys, I think that one of the most important things I can share is the need to let go of the disappointment one feels in oneself.

To anyone who has ever put on a considerable amount of weight and would like to lose it,
ask yourself the following important questions before you started on your weight loss journey.

What happened?
When was the last time I felt good about my body?

I feel that if you answer these two questions honestly, you can get real with yourself.
Seeing the truth may be painful, but in my opinion, it is the only way to go.
Most women who use our program confess that they simply stopped taking care of themselves.
For me, not taking care of myself doesn't only mean a lack of healthy food or exercise. It means a disconnect from my true self.
Ignoring the inner voice that keeps whispering, as one of my clients said,

"Girlfriend, can you bring my sexy back please?"

So what is the next step once you have the answers to these questions.
Well, you'll probably experience some (or a lot of!) pain.
And tears will well up easily any time you think of your "WHAT HAPPENED" point.

It's time to let go!

Let go of the moments of pain & hurt & suffering.
Use your energy to propel yourself to where you dream of being.
I know this is easier said than done, but remember your past will always be there, but so will your future.
You can relive memories of pain & suffering or you can dream a new dream.
Dream of the life you deserve to live!
One where you imagine yourself happy, healthy, thriving!

Now I don't claim to be a therapist. What I am though, is someone who sees how wonderful everyone's life can be.
I can easily see people's gifts & beauty. It jumps out at me, even while someone is complaining of how bloated & fat they feel!
LOL!

So, as I continue on my path, I invite you to join me.
Take hold of your power, take back your life!
Know that your body is a beautiful, magical machine that can be in perfect balance.
See your past, let it go, & create a new future!

Much Love, Health & Happiness,
Vered.

PS: I have to mention Joanne, the first person who graduated our 16 week program (with flying colors). She is a high school friend of mine.

Joanne has lost 50 whopping pounds!

She has lost half of her body fat percentage!!

She is no longer a type 2 diabetic!!!

Joanne, you are the poster child for this program...CONGRATS!!!
xoxoxoxox

Summertime

2009-07-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Summertime... And we are posed with an age old question here at Latitude.

"How do I loose those 10, 15, 20 or whatever number of pounds I've been wanting to loose forever?"

Weight loss, weight loss, weight loss!!!

So the other day, I was thinking about how to help people get the results they want.

"How do we help our members succeed!?"

We always want to deliver for our clients, to help them achieve what they came in to achieve.
It can prove to be challenging for everyone involved.

One Latitude coach’s philosophy is simple. He doesn't take on a client that isn't ready to be taken on. Huh?
I, on the other hand, will try to convince EVERYONE that there is nothing better than fitness & well being!
My thinking is, if they walked into our fitness club, they want to be fit!

Hmmm, I may be wrong, at least in some cases...
Very often, people will come in and say they want results. But they just aren't ready to do what it takes.
Sound like someone you may know?

So before this coach takes on a new client, he asks them three questions to see if they are ready to be his client.

"Are you ready to commit your time to your health & fitness program?"

"Are you willing to commit the energy, do your own cardio vascular exercise, and prepare quality food for yourself?"

"Are you ready to invest your money in your health & fitness program?"

If the answer is "No" to any one of these questions, he refuses to train them! Wow!

Most people will easily spend hundreds of dollars a month on restaurants & movies.
They will spend more on their car payments & insurance than they would ever dream of spending on their own health.
Why? Where did we learn that a car has more value than our own health?
Personally, I would rather my body be a Ferrari than to park one outside my door!
But that's just me.

Now, I want you to know, all of this coach's clients get results.
They all get what they came in for!

So if you are frustrated by those extra pounds, I want you to know that we can help you, and we want to!
All of us at Latitude are waiting for the next person who is ready!

Much Love,
Vered.

By the way I have lost another 6 pounds in the past few weeks
I have one more week left to my 16 transformation.
Total weight lost to date: 36 pounds!

Stay tuned, in the next few weeks I will be sharing some tips on weight loss.

The way you make you feel

2009-07-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Be yourself. Pleeeeeeeze!

Today, as I think back on MJ's life,
I am inspired. This man lived larger than life!
Though many people may have judged him & the things he did, he did them!
Whether people liked it or not.
I have to admit that that is very attractive & uplifting to me.

As I look around facebook & twitter & read people's status' & stuff they comment on, I know people want to live great lives!
Yet, many people I meet on the outside of FB & Tw do not resemble in any way the persona they display online.
What's up with that?

This is a shout out to all of you to live as the person you always wanted to be!
NO FEAR!!
I would love to see all of these inspired people on FB acting that way in real life.
Smiling, hugging, singing, being funny, sharing as we often display on our profiles.

MJ lived life as a lion, created unimaginable beauty & shared his heart with all of us no matter how painful it was at times for him.
He gave of himself as no entertainer, in my opinion, has ever before.

He will live as a source of inspiration in my life forever. To kick myself in the butt & keep on creating endlessly!
No matter what, there is more...

I would like to dedicate this blog to MJ.
Thank you for the years of dance, music, entertainment, innovation & the sheer pleasure.
You gave me a place to go & dream, become & display more of who I always wanted to be.

Thank you for "The way you make me feel!"
Much Peace & Love,
Vered.

Greece... finding inspiration everywhere

2009-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

What I noticed most on my vacation in Greece was how wonderful everyone was there.
Kindness & warmth greeted us around every corner.
The family that owned the hotel we stayed at ran a warm & fuzzy business.
Just what I love. Service was excellent from the owner to our cleaning woman.

It was synergy.

Besides having an excellent product, a clean hotel & mouth watering fresh food at their restaurant, authentic smiles were always there!
I did spend some time speaking to the owners, a widowed woman named Irini, her daughter Ionna & son Elias.
There's is a lovely story well worth being shared.

I woke up every morning at around 5AM, desperately hoping to see the dolphins (I was told they sometimes swam by).
I would go for a walk & then sit on a perfectly situated couch outside, sipping my coffee.
Admiring the infinite beauty of the Agean Sea in the distance was a perfect way to start my day. Perfect just perfect!

One morning I went down to have a coffee, I was usually the first one there, eager for my morning "cafedaki"!
Irini was there bright and early having her coffee, home made jam & bread. She invited me over to sit.
I asked her how it all began for her & her family at Golden Beach.
She put her bread down & slowly lit a cigarette as I anxiously waited.
I love listening to the story of people's lives & I felt this wonderful woman had a good one to share.

She took one long drag and began.
About twenty five years ago, her husband came home one night and said someone told him about a hotel that was up for sale in Paros.
He was in construction & understood the value of land, she explained, & that was what most excited him about the deal.
I could see her love for this man in her eyes. He had passed away five years ago. As she took another long drag of her smoke, tears welled up in both our eyes.
That night he asked her what she thought about the idea of leaving Athens where they had lived most of their lives.
She told me she cried. She didn't want to leave.

The next day he came home & told her he bought the hotel!
He knew there was a great future there for him & his family.
So she began running the hotel with him & her children.
Irini loves what she does & it shows! She is a warm, friendly, strong woman running the show.
What could I not love about that?

The Golden Beach Hotel will be a place I will return to many times in my life.
I will visit these lovely people again & enjoy their food, that they grow on their own farms (sans pesticides)!
I will walk on this special sand that has golden sparkles... and next time I may even see a dolphin!

Yassis!
Vered.

Week 14

2009-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Week 14!

Today's blog is dedicated to answering two questions that I am asked daily, on the subject of weight loss.

1. Are you on a diet?

2a. Do I have to exercise? 2b. Do I have to do "cardio" everyday?

So here it is, for anyone who has been wondering how I lost over thirty pounds in 13 weeks.

I will start with the second question.

No, you don't have to exercise to loose weight, & that is the truth!

But yes, yes, yes, If you don't want to look & feel old before your time.
If you don't want to develop aches, pains, arthritis & many other diseases developed due to a lack of movement.

Yes, you must exercise!

If you want to feel great in your body & in line with this mass you are carrying around everyday you need to exercise.

Most of all, for those of you interested in weight loss & creating a great shapely body, the only thing that will accelerate weight loss & shape your body is exercise.
You got to move it, move it! Like the song says... (any Madagascar fans out there?)

Now, for part two of that question.
No, you don't have to do cardio everyday!
Actually, I would say, "don't do cardio everyday!"

Weight & strength training is key!

Get a program designed for your particular needs by a qualified coach at Latitude.
If you want better results, and quicker, (which most people ask for), train with a strength coach a couple of times a week.
A coach will always inspire and direct you to workout more effectively!

Now back to question #1.

No, it isn't a diet I am following.

It's a fabulous food management program that we have created here at Latitude.
It is a way of life plan. No tricks, gimmicks, or supplements. Real Food!
Whole foods. But yes, there are restrictions.
Portion control is key to this weight loss program.
Even great whole foods need portion control.

No matter what, if we want to create changes in anything in our lives we must change what we are doing!

To quote Albert Einstein, a pretty smart fella,

"Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity."

A bit extreme maybe, but expecting different results from the same actions doesn't make any sense & believe me, I've been there!

People ask me, "Why am I not losing weight?"
I ask them, "Well, what have you changed?"
They say,"Well..."

So as I step away to a long awaited vacation, I will focus, appreciate & embrace how wonderful, uplifting & yes sometimes frigg'n difficult change is!
Because there is nothing I want to miss out on in my life!
Bring on the change!!!

I am committed to living a loving, healthy, energetic & abundant life....

See you in Greece,
Vered.

Week 13

2009-06-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Week 13!

So, here it is, Tuesday evening and I just finished teaching Zumba and a Stretch class.

I love Tuesday evening's routine!

I had a great week following my extreme push last week.
I lost 1 pound and have hit the 30 pound mark!!
Wooohoooo!!!

I feel really proud of my successes. But what continues to clearly be the biggest pleasure on my 16 week transformation are the wonderful people that are on this journey with me! I am a love & connection person all the way.

Each person is on their own journey & witnessing their transformation week to week is nothing less than an honour.

I am nine days away from my 2 week vacation.
I am soooooooo excited!

As I prepare my clothes, it is very exciting to be fitting into clothes 3 to 4 sizes smaller than 12 weeks ago!
I am preparing the protein that I will take with me. I am still on my transformation while away.

Actually, I find it really easy to drop a few pounds on vacation.
There is no stress, plenty of time for walks & exercise & something about being in a bikini all day long curbs my appetite!

So, as I head into a final week before stepping onto a beach, I'm thinking, should I give it a last BIG push??

Live in Health,
Vered.

Weeks 11 & 12

2009-05-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

WIT!

Hi everyone! I missed you guys last week.....

So, had I written my blog last week, it would have been filled with disappointment, anger, lack of wisdom, short-sightedness. All in all, not good stuff.
If this leads you to assume I did not have great results once stepping on to that scale at 5AM last Tuesday morning, that would be absolutely correct!
I had a week where my weight went UP!
It was a two pound increase & the only thing I lost was my marbles!

I promised I would be transparent on my journey.......so here it is, my feelings on my continuous journey.
I want to share with you because I know we can all learn, grow, and hopefully, I can help you through your own emotions & experiences and make things easier for all of you.

My life is great & full!!!
In a day, I can go through members' excitement, members' challenges, members' illnesses, teaching classes, running two businesses, nurturing my relationships & all the while focusing on my weight loss program.
All of you who are on this program have BIG BUSY LIVES!!
I know. I have spoken to you all, so we are all on the same page on this.
Life is busy!

Not sure why I wrote that... but, oh yah, because I didn't cook enough last week... & I ate things I really knew I shouldn't.

Ok back to last week. I came home angry & with a bag of Doritos. (yikes!)
This is sooo funny to me now!!!! I have never before bought a bag of Doritos in my life!!!
My husband Tom, listened to me bitch & then sat me down.
Feeling defeated I sulked,"I'll never achieve my goal of these sixteen weeks."
He quickly said,"F'n right you will!"
He reminded me of WIT.
Wit has always been attractive to me.
I have always admired quick & funny witted people!
WIT though, is also "WHATEVER IT TAKES."
And I live by it!

So he told me,"no, no, no you are a wit person!"
I said, "of coarse I am!" ( ok it took a bit more than that, a couple of hugs and shaking up and then I was convinced).

I got back to Latitude a couple of hours later and our performance & food coach Alicia says,
"I have taken you this far, I am taking you all the way, you are going to do what I say...."
She also said,"I am going to support you & I will follow what I suggest for you to do as well!"

Those of you who know her, know she is in prime condition, more fit than any fitness cover model
& really does not have a need to drop a pound or any fat.
She is under 7% body fat and chiseled, for god's sake!

So, off she went sending me a new plan to follow.
I have to say, this plan isn't for anyone who isn't angry & willing to do whatever it takes.
I hesitate to even share what I did, for fear of encouraging something that I really don't think is a good long term solution.
Does that make sense? I know it doesn't, but I followed it & I lost 9.2 pounds in 6 days!
Crazy!!
The funniest thing about it is that Alicia(my food coach) actually followed the plan for 2 days & then was about to eat her own arm off!
I thanked her for the support, but then told her, "please eat, I'm OK".
Kind of like mommy letting go of your bike when you are learning to ride.

So I have a total of of 29.4 pounds dropped in 12 weeks & as I write this, tears are running down my face.
I feel a great sense of success, & I know I can guide anyone to do what I am doing.
After all, everything I experience is definitely in my path so I can help others.
Breaking through a barrier that has been there for over 4 years is an overwhelming feeling & I now know I will achieve my goal weight by week sixteen.

More than that though, I am letting go of a few years of energy(fat) that was gained & stored mostly due to me not nurturing myself.
As I spoke to Lisa (my spiritual guru & coach), she reminded me of how all the weight I put on happened when I let go of caring for myself about four years ago. I turned my back on me.

So today, I am thanking the universe, "thank you for reminding me to care & nurture myself always. I am ready to ride free..."

Much love, & self love to all of you,
Vered.

Total Weight Lost To Date: 29.4 pounds!

Week 10

2009-05-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

What does it take?

Lately I have been getting questions like, "what does it take to loose over 20 pounds like you have?", "It must be hard?", "What's the trick?".

Now, don't get me wrong, it's no walk in the park, but that is primarily due to believing we are missing out on something when we are eating whole foods and no crap. That we are missing a TV show when we are taking a walk or going to the gym.

There are no tricks, the only trick that has been going on is the one that the big guys have been playing on us.
Selling us all this crap that is considered food!

Really, I want everyone to know that there is nothing lacking for me. If anything, I have gained appreciation for foods that make my body surge with energy.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you woke up and popped out of bed full of energy? Not to impress, but I do, almost every morning.
The proper fuel & exercise turns your body, mind & soul ON!

I am a believer in energy & if we go into weight loss with a mind set of I'm lacking, it's going to be really hard, & we are working against ourselves, swimming upstream rather than with the flow.

It many sound odd but creating mantras & feeding your mind with the proper fuel is just as important.
So, a few things that I am doing beside the fabulous food plan & workouts have been reading inspiring stories, success oriented articles, listening to music that gives me energy & makes me happy when I need a boost.

Taking in everything to bring my whole being onto the same path. You never know how off you are, till you are on.

So this week I added two 30 minutes jog/walks, listened to Deepak Chopra four times, pulled out some Michael Jackson & dropped 2.2 pounds!

Thanks for reading. I hope this inspires you to create the healthy body you deserve.

Much Love,
Vered.

Total Weight Lost To Date: 22.2 pounds!

Week 9

2009-05-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

Happy May!

I am thrilled to hit a pinnacle of 20 pounds lost this week!

I am 7 weeks away from the 16 week mark.

I have to admit the reasons for going on were starting to fade away.
What I mean by reasons is, what will be the driving force for me behind the next 7 weeks?
I have dropped 20 pounds & I feel really good.
Is this my dream goal? The honest answer is no!

So, I asked my husband to do the famous Dickens Pattern on me.
For those of you who don't know what this is, It is a look at what your future holds for you if you don't achieve your goals (harsh & sad!)
& then a quick switch to how amazing you will fell if all your dreams are realized, (f'n incredible)! Like in the famous story of Scrooge.

Let me tell you, my husband Tom is great at doing it (I mean Dickens Pattern).
I now I have many compelling reasons to drop 30 pounds in the next 7 weeks!

I know most of you are saying that is crazy! That's extreme! But yes, I am looking for extreme results.
So yesterday night I jogged home from work after teaching Zumba!

I am on my way to my goal of being under 14% body fat this summer & nothing will stop me!!

Much Love,
Vered.

ps:If any of you have been dreaming about making life lasting changes in their fitness & health goals contact my hubby tom.motzer@sympatico.ca he is awesome!! He is also a certified Naturopath.

Ultimate Girls Getaway

2009-04-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Girls Getaway

This blog entry is a dedication to all the incredible women
I met at the Ultimate Girls Getaway at the Chateau Montebello.

I have to admit the tear ducts were very active.
Now, you have to imagine about one hundred
women ready to play hard for a week end.

I was honored to be one of the guest speakers there teaching
women how to rediscover the Goddess within through erotic dancing.

What a blast!

The energy that encompassed this weekend was one of love & connection.
Talk about being in my element!

We danced till dawn, brainstormed, laughed till we cried & shared stories till we cried.
Some of the stories will stay as unwritten ones!!! Hehehehe....

Fun, laughter, learning, great food, dancing, nature walks & very talented
women all coming together & bonding.
New friendships were formed and old ones were deepened.

I was reminded, while I was there, how important it is to spend time away,
with just the girls. Our busy lives no longer allow us to have those 3 hour coffee talks daily.
Nurturing my soul with great conversation, surrounded by intelligent, inspiring,
funny & loving women was exactly what I needed & I didn't even know it.

As I taught my workshop, the energy that was flowing around that room was nothing less than magical.
Each woman allowed that goddess to shine and it was beautiful...

So to all you Goddesses, I want to thank you for letting me into your lives... you have all touched mine!

Much Love,
Vered.

Week 8

2009-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Week 8!

What was most poignant in week 8 was my fabulous weekend away.

I was lucky enough to be part of the line of speakers at The Ultimate Girls Getaway!
An all girls getaway honoring the women we are.

The food there was awesome and sticking to my plan wasn't easy but I did.

So this week 2 pounds down & I'm very happy!

Lately, I have been trying to reduce a bit more of the portions as I loose
more weight. I obviously should not require the same quantities.

I am at 19 pound total and I can't wait till next week where I will break the 20 pound mark!

I tried a new recipe.
Bison stuffed peppers & it was delicious.

Cook your ground bison(or lean veal or turkey) with sliced onions in a pan.
Chop up some garlic & flavor up your meat as you like & throw in some pine nuts.
Try to stay away from salt.
Empty large organic peppers & stuff them with the meat.
Place them standing in the oven for about 30 minutes at 250.

Before serving dabble a bit of flax seed oil on it.
Enjoy with a tossed salad! YUM YUM!!

I would love to hear about how you all are doing, or any recipes you would like to share!

Much love,
Vered

Total Weight Lost To Date: 19 pounds!

Week 7

2009-04-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Week 7!

Ok this will be a confession!!

I did not do so well this week.....

I dabbled a bit here and there..& ummm in the wrong foods.
I didn't train in the weight room either!
Basically, I made a lot of booboos & it showed on the scale.

I can tell you that I made the same mistakes over & over again last week when I did go off track.
I waited too long without a meal, I tried to do shakes for a whole day & then I wanted to eat my own arm off!!
Some people learn the hard way....yup that's me!

So this week ZERO pounds dropped!

I will keep this short & not so sweet for me, but I am committing to a 4 pound drop next Tuesday to catch up to my goal weight!

(Editor’s Note: Do we really think that’s a good idea. Should we punish ourselves for being human?)

When you see me training hard & sweating at Latitude you'll know why!

Till next weigh in,
Vered.

Total Weight Lost To Date: 17 pounds!

Week 6

2009-04-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Week 6!

Hello everyone!!
I hope you all had a great holiday week end!!!

I have to say momentum is big now.
It seems to be getting easier & easier to stay on my food plan.

Over the holiday week end I did eat a bit more than usual.
I stayed true to NO sweets, but I ate more in each meal than I have been.
I tried to compensate by sticking to a shake for dinner.

That must have helped because I really thought the scale wouldn't budge this week.

Yet, I dropped 2 pounds this week!

I'm also learning to change the connection of family and food.
For us there always is loooooots of food at family time.
Yes, it will always be there, but I payed more attention to conversation & connection.

As an endomorph, I will always have to pay more attention to food & exercise regime than those ectomorphs.
You know those people that can eat anything & never gain a pound.
Those are ectomorphs. Endomorphs like me put on a pound after the wrong meal.

Yet, we also put on muscle a lot easier too & that helps a lot with weight loss, body shape & overall health.
I am what I am & I am content!

The best thing about my journey so far, is how much I have learned about me, my beliefs, habits & my body.
How it works scientifically. Understanding that weight loss and weight gain is all science.

It is like a big biology experiment for me & it's a lot of fun!!

Live in Health,
Vered.

ps: It's not too late to join in our 16 week transformation program & feel great for summer!!
Your health is one thing you CAN change in your life... what are you waiting for?

Total Weight Lost To Date: 17 pounds!

Week 5

2009-04-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Week 5!

Getting Lean & Green?

So, today, after 5 Weeks on our program
I am 15 pounds down & very excited!
I dropped 3 pounds this week.

I'm excited because everyone that is on our transformation program is doing amazingly!

As I think about all the benefits besides looking great, feeling & achieving optimal health.
I am always thinking about the greater good of our actions.

Imagine, all these people are changing their families’ eating habits.
Imagine, less stress on all their hearts, lungs & livers!
I know it may be odd to be thinking of this, but really...it's even LESS WASTE! Hehehehehhehe

We are teaching people about organic food benefits & these are all things that affect the beautiful earth we live on in a positive way.

So today it's a high five to everyone on this program for loosing a total of over 50 pounds!

I hope you all realize the chain reaction of good you are creating.

We are all responsible for the energy in this world...
Latitude clients are doing their part!

Keep up the fantastic work. I am proud & honored to be part of your team.

Much Love,
Vered.

Total Weight Lost To Date: 15 pounds!

Week 4

2009-04-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Week 4!

Hello everyone!!

It's one month in & I am feeling great.
Hmmm, am I starting to sound redundant?

So, today is a bit of a rant about all these "horrible" gimmick diets that some of my clients have been asking me about.

They boast about loosing the same amount of weight as I have except they don't have any food in them!
I'm sure you all know I'm taking about the "cookie diet".

Any of you out there that are on it?

STOOOOOOOOOP!!!!

It is dead food!

These types of diets do nothing to help teach us how to eat properly for life.
Understand that you can loose 12 pounds in a month eating chocolate as well.
It's all based on energy in & energy out.

That is the greatest advantage of the program we have created at Latitude.
It is based on whole foods. Foods that haven't been processed, denatured, & modified from their original form.
We individually design each food plan based on each clients needs & body fat, lean muscle mass & hydration percentages.

So back to me & a little bit of sharing.
Last Sunday I woke up and had a shake and then was out of the house
for over 7 hours with no food! K now for most people no big deal but when you are on a plan and you are feeding your body every 3 hrs for four weeks, there is a crazy feeling that goes on.
You want to killlllll!!!

So my husband suggested to stop at a vegetarian restaurant & have a spinach salad.
Great, so we did! I had some salad & a bit of quinoa.
All of which are carbs, good carbs but carbs none the less.
Well, imediately after that I was ready to eat anything & everything!
Hence my first cheat in 4 weeks happened.....

So here are the lessons to be learned:

NEVER SKIP A MEAL
NEVER EAT A MEAL THAT DOES NOT HAVE PROTEIN IN IT

One of the most important things in weight loss is eating every three hours. Keeping your blood sugar from rising.
No spikes or drops, because that is when the cravings set in & fat is stored.
Last Sunday I was guilty of both those things!!!

Upward & onward!
I trained twice on Monday & am having a great week, I'm back on track!

Thanks for all your sweet encouraging comments. They are a great motivator for me!!

BTW: It's four weeks & I'm twelve pounds down!

Much love,
Vered.

Week 3

2009-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Week 3!

Ok, so I've completed week 3 of my 16 week Transformation!

I have to share with you, as a woman, what I have been feeling.

Last week I jumped on the scale so eagerly, knowing I have been bang on with food & exercise.

"Oh, what, what's that, only two pounds....hmmmm". I have to say I was less than pleased.

The pressure is on and the week before dropped SEVEN!

"Wait, wait a second what's the date?"
I had to back track a bit......
"I'm PMS..."

Yes, I'm sharing all here.
I figure if I'm going to do this we have to understand all systems in the body. Especially for us women!
So last Tuesday I was in full blown premenstrual syndrome.
Good news is that I hardly felt any bloating, no cravings just some tenderness in my chest.
I don't think I was even overly sensitive, (I better ask the people around me about that, hehehe).

So usually I would feel really bloated & hypersensitive & put on four pounds around that time of month,
instead I felt great & dropped two! Ok I digested that & was looking forward to this week.

So, this morning I’m up at 3AM, revved up to get on that scale!
I jump on & .............. ARGGGHHHHHHH two pounds again!

I am sharing all of this with all of you because this is where I & most would drop the ball. It would be, cheat away!
But no, my wise teammate, Katja reminded me, "Hey, hey you’ve lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks & you have your period!"

This all reminds me of the beauty of being a woman.
There are systems in your body that no matter what program you are on, that will present themselves, reminding you, "Don't forget you are a woman."

Ah yes, so I am proud & I am happy about my progress.
I know there will be lesser weeks & greater weeks & I am ready for them.
I am in it for the long haul & this woman, this wonderful feminine body & spirit will push me through those moments that I just feel like giving in as it always has.

So here I go into the fourth week of my journey feeling great & reminded of the woman I am.

Much love,
Vered.

Week 2

2009-03-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Week 2 is done!

After Week 1 I lost seven pounds. Tuesday I weigh in for week 2.

I have been doing really well. Yesterday was another family birthday with many goodies, yet I wasn't tempted at all.

I am really enjoying all the home cooked meals myself & my hubby are preparing.
I grew up on fresh food. It was always quality above quantity.
There was nothing packaged or frozen. I now understand the importance of that.
My dad used to, and still does, go to at least three or four markets to buy fresh fruits & vegetables. My mom was baking weekly, so we rarely ate anything store bought, nothing canned!

This is essential to health & well being.

Salad was always a part of dinner & fresh fruit was always desert.
My dad even peels the individual grapefruit segments for us!

The amount of preservatives & additives that are in foods now are scary!

So, what I want to share with all of you in todays blog is how touched & grateful I feel for all the support, comments & feedback I have been receiving.

So many of the members at Latitude take time to stop by my office and wish me well. It is so encouraging & helpful. I am definitely driven by, what feels like love to me. I know there will be challenging times ahead, but for now, it seems like my macronutrients are just perfect because they are coupled with energy from my friends, clients & family!

There are a few people who are starting their journey this week.
I want to send you all, you know who you are, lots of will & energy.
What to me has turned out to be so important is the giving to self.
All of you will be taking time to give yourself the best of health & well being & that feels wonderful!

I wish all of you going into your Week One, all the best!!
Like a friend of mine quoted "Yes We Can!"

Going into Week 3 feeling strong.

Vered.

.

Week 1

2009-03-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!

Week 1 of my 16 week summer transformation is almost over & I took a few days to come visit my sister & her family in Toronto. It was my nephew's birthday, the big 11, & I survived the chocolate quadruple layered cake without a hitch!

So, as my first week ends, I think this "16 week challenge" is going to be a breeze.
I will be blogging every Sunday & letting you know how I'm feeling.
It's great! Being accountable to many people will be one of the keys to my success.

Like I said I'm presently in T.O.
Yesterday, one of our trainers at Latitude Fitness called me to check in with me (or check up on me!)
Shelo is the result king! He has been guiding people in transforming their bodies for years. So he called to make sure I was on track & that felt great. Even a trainer (moi) needs support... thanks Shelo.

The personal emails I am getting are wonderful as well.
Words of encouragement, questions, & people wanting to do the transformation themselves.

I think a pool party this summer at my house for all the people who transform themselves is a good plan?
What do you think?

So, I'm so excited as I step into my second week.
The hard core weight training comes into play now!
Along with food, creating demand on my body with exercise will be another key to my success.

So if you see me limping around the gym you know why!

Into the weight room I go demain.

15 weeks to go!

Vered.

Transforming

2009-03-03T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ok so here it is!

I have committed to transforming my body in 16 weeks & letting the world know about it!
Wow. I will be posting regular updates on how I am doing, pictures , challenges & successes.

What made me decide to do this?

I guess it was a combination of things which I will openly share with you.

My husband is doing this with me. He too is transforming his bod!
So it's empowering to go into this like the wonder team!
I have my wonder woman suit ready & I'm not revealing what super hero he is yet!
Hehehe...

I have noticed at my health centre, Latitude Fitness, many people struggling with the same challenges. Wanting the body of their dreams but having such a hard time staying committed to their goal. I have been on that ride for quite a while as well.

As a dancer I used to drop the pounds before a show or competition & then put them right back on. Yes, I too have done the yoyoyoyoyo thing!

So here it is. I am putting it out there... who would like to join me on my journey?
It is a sixteen week program that Latitude Fitness trainers & nutrition advisors have put together.

We have yet to find a name for the program, any ideas? I'm thinking Forest Gump (get everyone running with us) it's also one of my all time favorite movies.
So you are all the first to know!!

You all know I believe beauty is deeper than what is on the outside. Yet, I am turning the big 40 this year & I want to have that dream body that I have always wanted. That's it, that's all! I want to go into my 40's stronger & in optimal health!

I am beautiful now & I will be just as beautiful, only I will have accomplished a goal I have always juuuuust missed! That will be a great feeling for me!

So please send me your thoughts and questions. And if you are interested in doing this, we can set you up, even if you don't live in Montreal!

K, stay tuned for my first video blog coming next week, talking to you about how I feel & what my first week was like.

Today's note is more than just an announcement of my goal.
It is a reminder that it is never too late to do something you have always dreamed of.
This is your life, make it what you want it to be.
You have that power, you are woman!

Much love!!
Transforming
Vered.

Feminine Energy

2009-02-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

After a very eventful day yesterday, I was very inspired to write this note to anyone who is interested to hear me. H-E-L-L-O is anyone out theeeeeeerrrrrreeeeeee???

Today I tapped into my feminine inner strength unlike any other & I want to share with all of you how wonderful that feels to me.
No matter what happens in my life I know that something will always be there for me. To me it's what allows a woman to rescue her child from under a car in a moment of crisis. Feminine energy, here it comes when you summon it!

So, yesterday I was made aware of an employee of mine who was clearly betraying our relationship. The details are not the focus here, rather the faith & feminine energy I tapped into...

I was angry & hurt. But instantly after uncovering some facts, my feminine energy kicked into fifth gear! Taking action like that mother! I was not worried, not afraid, I was clear in my intentions & my vision of what I needed to do.

The anger is gone, the hurt dissipated, and clarity, excitement and anticipation have settled in. I have been made aware once again that I am loved, strong, supported, a woman in my power, with great people around me, loving me & believing in me.

"So what's good about this?" As my husband asked me, and at first, the answers that came to me were the details about business, people, instincts blah blah... What's good about this is, I feel my feminine energy once again larger than life, exploding inside of me, taking me over and telling me "Hey, hey, I'm here. Don't ever doubt or fear, you, Vered, are a wonderful feminine woman!"

So, tonight what I want to share with all of you who are facing challenges or inevitably will, never forget that energy that is waiting to be called up to center stage! She is always there for you. Believe........

Rituals

2009-02-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on this Sunday evening with my belly full of great food, which I didn't cook, I am looking out onto the mountains in the Eastern Townships, Quebec. If you have been following my blogs you know I have had a non stop two weeks. So, I chose to unplug for a day & a half. Arrive Saturday afternoon & home Monday morning.

Wow, just a little drive for a bit over an hour and I am smelling fresh mountain air. It's perfect & easy!

It wasn't planned, just a last minute get away with my hubby.
Organic eggs for breakfast, quick work out, a very relaxing massage & a bit of studying.
Oh........... and inspiration to write a book!
It's still in the idea stage, so I'll fill you girls in as it gets clearer.

That is what my day was like today. I'm ready to get back tomorrow.
Tonight I want to share with you a couple of my rituals that bring me happiness & help to restore my energy.

Here is a look into my daily rituals:

Do you take power naps? It's a 20-30 minute nap that totally refreshes you for the rest of the day.
My days are about 12-14 hours, so those power naps do me a world of good!
I rarely skip a day....except for Friday, I never seem to get it in!
It is a shorter day for me though, less than 10 hours.

This is another ritual. My bath time. It's about an eight minute morning ritual that I do at least three times a week. It's like a mini vacation to me! After every bath it's full body cream time..well you know, if not you get that prune-like, dry feeling... ewwwww.

These two rituals are to express to all of you ladies that you don't have to wait for that once or twice a year to get away & recharge. Do it now! Jump in your car for a drive, take a bath, take a day at the spa, or two or three!

Even one day off, or a few minutes in the bath can be pure bliss.

It has been for me today!

Much love,
Vered

Inspiration & Time

2009-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I have to say that some days writing comes easier than others.

Hence the late blog! Sorry....

So that is what I'm writing about.
Inspiration, where does it come from & how?
What I want to share today is what I have noticed.

Time. If you want to feel & sense your inspiration you need to take the time for it. Actually focus on it.
I know this may sound like a very practical approach but to me it is TRUE.
This past week has been taxes, payroll, month end's calculations & a rash on my forehead! Yikes! Too much of things that I have to do & no time for inspiration & my love affair with Danserotek!

I was working till past 11pm Sunday evening on numbers & by the time writing came along at 11:15pm (quiet Sunday time) I was in dream land.....

This is not to complain, far from it, just to point out that if you want to feel your inspiration and you are caught up in doing a lot of other things, you may be putting aside things that are most important to you in you life.

So if you are searching & wondering what is your passion, What can you be inspired to do? What is your purpose? It takes time & focus to use those creative juices. Creativity is where it is at for me now. I am creating, imagining & manifesting.

Tips:
#1: Ask yourself, "Are you feeling inspired?"
#2: If the answer is yes, fabulous! If the answer is no, fabulous too!
#3: If yes, skip this. If no, take some time soon to think about what you enjoy doing, what comes easy to you. How do you see yourself contributing, to your friends, family, community, & for those ambitious ladies, to this universe!
#4: Get to it on a regular basis. Stop dreaming about it. Baby steps are great. Just do something on a regular basis towards your vision & inspiration. Your happiness will soar when you are "on purpose" as my friend, Lisa Lajoie ( Bliss Oracle) says! Get on purpose!
#5: Don't beat yourself up if things don't go perfectly. That is part of your purpose. You are learning the ins & outs of your inspiration.
#6: Be grateful once you are feeling inspired.

Beauty, growth, frustration, success, challenges, bliss, sadness, elation. You will experience a whole plethora of emotions. Get excited, this is being ALIVE!!

So, I leave you today thanking you for being a huge part of my inspiration!

Much Love,
Vered.

When do you feel like you the most?

2009-01-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

When do you feel like you the most?

Today as I sit here enjoying my green tea
I thought we could ponder that question.

As most of you know, besides Danserotek
I own & manage Latitude Fitness. Buuuuuuusy!

Yesterday, in partnership with Old Navy, Latitude helped launch their new line of fitness clothes.
We did an in-store demonstration with some of my team members at Latitude!
It was so much fun!!
I have to say, we are blessed to have such fabulous members who come out to support us & have fun on a Saturday afternoon!
I led the group through some basic dance moves (just latin moves. Not erotic, store policies you know, hehhe).
Shelo & Tina (coaches at Latitude) then jumped in & did a weight & toning section.
The energy was fabulous, crowds formed, interested in what was going on!
Music, howling & laughter! This is my bliss! It's easy!

Someone asked me," Where do you find all that energy?"
A question I often get after I teach.
I believe the answer to that is, it's because I feel most like me when I am dancing, moving, writing, inspiring & on purpose.
What do I mean by this? This is where I feel most like me..It's effortless!
I can express it best by saying, I am connected at those moments to the whole...
Ok, ok ok, I know it's freaky, but it's true for me!

Try this. You know sometimes you are doing something, or with someone & it just doesn't feel right. Those little voices inside of you are talking up a storm & what do you usually do?
Ignore them! Or better yet, tell them to Shut Up! "Stop being so...blah blah blah"
It's ok, no one ever taught us in school how to listen to ourselves, there was too much math to cover!

Then, there are those times where things flow, it's easy to communicate with some people & it just feels good to be around them.....Ahhhhh this is when you feel most like you. You are doing something & not looking at your watch, not wondering how much money you are making, just in the moment!
As Dr Chopra says"when you are expressing your unique talents, you lose track of time."
This is it, this is what is you, the something deep inside that is joyful at those times and knows bliss....

So today, take some time to look back on things you do or have done & notice when did that feeling come along? When was time of no essence? What were you doing? Who were you with? Discovering your bliss in life may take some reflection and digging but what you will come up with is better than gold!

Feelin' like ME & loving it,
Vered

Change

2009-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Change

Today's blog is no doubt the topic on most people's hearts and minds.

Change of leadership in the United States.

As I witnessed history being made this morning, I was excited, happy & uplifted by the hopeful feeling that was flooding this world.

I don't ever want to get political here but I do always want to be clear on who I am & what I stand for in this universe.

It is love, hope, change & unity!

I love that we are celebrating the first African American as president!
Just as the first woman was given the right to vote, At 7 a.m., despite pouring rain, Mrs. Marie Ruoff Byrum, wife of Morris Byrum and daughter-in-law of Democratic committeeman Lacy Byrum, cast her ballot in the first ward. She thus became the first woman to vote in the state of Missouri and the first woman to vote in the United States under the 19th, or Suffrage, Amendment. I believe this is a whole new universe for every African American child.

Having hope & believing in change in a world which may be very challenging at times is the message that I want to send out today.

Whatever your challenges may be. Health, family, relationships, career, they are all changeable. I have seen people change their health around by loosing over 100 pounds. I have seen people at age 60 create a whole new career. I have seen people fall in love in their senior years! i know people that have overcome cancer & now empower others with their own experiences.
I know women that have never experienced sexual pleasure & now enjoy an orgasm every time they are with their partner!

Anything is changeable!

I was getting a bit too heavy there, needed to lighten it up, sorry couldn't help myself!

So I leave you today with the hope that you fill your heart with all your dreams & possibilities.

Everything is changeable!

Ever changing,
Vered.

Fly In 2009

2009-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday, & this will be my weekly blog time, hope you enjoy!

Last Thursday evening we had our first workshop of 2009.
Danserotek's "Renaissance of the Goddess".
Every time I teach a workshop, it is pure pleasure and fun!
A big part of which are the wonderful women I am grateful to meet.

This time I was inspired while rolling in my bed, so bed sheets were part of our choreography. We started out with a lot of laughing, and then as I was standing there watching these gorgeous women rolling on the floor, I could not help to think how beautiful women really are. These women allowed themselves to feel & express, and most importantly, to try something they never thought they would have done. Bravo!

Ladies, to me, here lies the juice of life!
Every time you step out of your routine and try something new, something you have always wanted to try, you expand. You expand your mind, your spirit your body & soul.

At first, no matter what you are trying, there will be fear.
Some of us experience nervousness, jitters, tummy noises & even the shakes...

I remember being at Club Med about twelve years ago & I really wanted to try the trapeze. I imagined flying in the air like a bird. Every day for thirteen days I said."OK, today I am going to do it!"
As each day passed, my fear got the best of me. Till day fourteen, you guessed it, the last day of my vacation!
It was do or die. Now or never! I awoke early that morning & talked myself all the way over to the trapeze which was overlooking the beautiful ocean. I approached the trapeze and a tanned young latino man smiled & gestured me over. Now there was no way I was backing out. My ego kicked right in. He explained to me to walk to the top of the ladder, which if I may add was wobbly! So, I walked myself up to the top of that ladder. By the time I got up there my body was involuntarily trembling. I mean tremors!! I couldn't believe it. No matter how much talking I did to myself the tremors did not subside!

The young man attempted to encourage me but all I could do was hear my own voice say, "this is crazy, you are gonna die!" After he swung the swing over to me a few times, I finally held on to the bar and off the ladder I went.

Weeeeeeee, flying like a bird... It was magical!
I released the bar, fell into the net & the shakes had vanished.
I was thrilled & ready to go back up again. I went up so many times my hands were starting to burn from holding onto that bar. I loved it! I did some flips, hooked my legs & enjoyed every minute.

I am sharing this with you because I waited till my last morning to experience one of the most thrilling things I have done in my life!! Flying like a bird.... I had about forty minutes to enjoy this opportunity that was there for the whole fourteen days and the only thing that was stopping me was my own mind. I was getting in my own way!

So this year, ask yourself, “What have I been dreaming of doing?”.
What is it that excites you every time you think of it?
Yes, I know it may be scary, but the thrills you experience in taking those first steps are nothing short of miraculous!

Stop putting things off that you enjoy, that you dream of.
It's time to fly in 2009!

much love,
Vered.

ps:I would love to hear your stories about what you are trying this year for the first time.
I have just started cross country skiing, lovely.